“Biological diversity is the key to the maintenance of the world as we know it.”

~ E.O. Wilson, Biodiversity

Opuntia humifusa (compressa)

A winter hardy, clump-forming, Missouri native cactus. The round-to-oval, flattened, succulent green pads are not leaves but swollen water-storing stem segments. Pads have a few needle-like spines and are covered with numerous tufts of bristles. Showy, bright yellow 2-3 in. flowers with a reddish eye bloom in June and July. Pulpy red fruits ripen in late summer and are edible, most often being used to make candies and jams.

Culture

Easily grown in full sun in dry, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. May be grown in very well-drained clay soil. In autumn, the pads shrivel as the plants withdraw water in preparation for winter.